The International Maritime Organization (IMO) paused its evacuation plan for ships and seafarers stranded in the Middle East Gulf after a container ship was attacked by an unknown projectile near Oman. A U.S. official indicated that Iran was likely behind the attack.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez stated that the pause is necessary to ensure safety guarantees for the ships on the evacuation list. The evacuation initiative was launched to assist hundreds of stranded vessels following a temporary peace deal between the U.S. and Iran, which aimed to reduce hostilities for 60 days.
Despite a recent increase in traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, the situation remains precarious, with Iran's military warning vessels against using routes not approved by Tehran. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions in the region and the potential risks to maritime operations, which could impact shipping companies and global trade, particularly in energy markets